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Podolski backs “strong” Arsenal

Arsenal striker, Lukas Podolski, has insisted the club will be strong enough next season to be able to mount a sustained challenge in their Premier League campaign, pointing to the fact that the Gunners’ rivals for the title will start the season with new managers.

With Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United all preparing for the new campaign with new managers, Arsenal fans are hoping this can play into their hands and give the club a real chance of putting in a real push in the league this year.

The German international will be looking to play a key role in Arsenal’s plans this season. Podolski finished his first season at the Emirates with 11 goals to his name despite spending much of his first year at the club playing out of his preferred striking role, often utilised on the wings by Wenger.

"The hope is that this season Arsenal will be at the top of the league. English football, thankfully, is not like Spain where you only have two teams - Barcelona and Real Madrid - who fight at the top," the 28-year-old admitted.

"In the Premier League, you have five, six, even seven top, top teams. It's very difficult but I know that Arsenal are one of those top teams who will be involved. You don't know how the season will work out. A few of the other teams all have new managers, so it's difficult to say. But they will be strong and equally.”

After so long without a trophy, Arsenal appear to be making a concerted effort to ensure they do not extend that run to another year. With Wenger and the board looking to make a number of big-name signings before the new season, Arsenal fans will be hoping the club can finally win some silverware.